MANCHESTER United face a a tense Old Trafford return after yet another defensive lapse gifted Hungarian side Zalaegerszeg a shock 1-0 win in Budapest.

Forced to add a prelude to this season's Champions League adventure, the Reds face a real risk of falling at the first hurdle after a Phil Neville error wasted 90 minutes of good work.

The England fullback, an early replacement for the injured Wes Brown, completely misjudged a hopeful crossfield ball, allowing winger Bela Koplarovic to slide home Tamas Szamosi's low cross. The error was a worrying return to the form of last season, when a series of high profile defensive errors saw the Reds slip up in their twin assaults on the Premiership and Europe.

But United will still be confident for the home return on Tuesday week, having dominated possession throughout and created and spurned a number of clear cut opportunities.

Bright start

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer started brightly, but the Norwegian international's luck was out on three minutes when he fired in a powerful drive that cannoned off former Charlton 'keeper Sasa Ilic's left hand post. Roy Carroll was called into action for virtually the only time in the first half on 39 minutes when he tipped over Otto Vincze's hopeful 30-yard drive.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men continued to dominate in the second half and carved out four clear cut opportunities in just two minutes.

First Ruud van Nistelrooy slotted home only to have his effort ruled out for offside and then David Beckham raced through only to fire straight at Ilic. Captain Roy Keane was next up to have shy at goal only to head wide and then Ryan Giggs saw a brilliant jinking run stopped by a last gasp tackle in the penalty area.

Veron picked

With Juan Veron, picked ahead of England pair Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes, forming an impressive partnership with Keane, the Reds set up camp deep into their opponents' half.

But an otherwise excellent performance was to be undone by one momentary lapse and United now need to win by two clear goals in the return to ensure their name is the hat for the main draw.

After the match, Sir Alex Ferguson told the BBC: "It was a shock result, they never had a chance in the second half. We only have ourselves to blame. We had chances and it's disappointing."